How to pronounce Switzerland
Say it like SWIT-ser-lund. Switzerland has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SWIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Switzerland. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SWIT
- ser
- lund
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Switzerland pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SWITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- serKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- lundKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Switzerland
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SWIT-suh-lund.
What does Switzerland mean?
- A country in Western Europe and Central Europe. Official name: Swiss Confederation. Capital: Bern (de facto).“Much of Switzerland is located in the Alps.”
Where does Switzerland come from?
Compound of Switzer + -land, adopted in the 16th century from Early Modern German Schwytzerland (“land of the Swiss”).
Questions about saying Switzerland
How do you pronounce Switzerland?
Say SWIT-ser-lund. The American pronunciation is /ˈswɪtsɚlənd/. In British English it is /ˈswɪtsələnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Switzerland?
Switzerland has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SWIT). Broken into parts: SWIT · ser · lund.
Is Switzerland pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈswɪtsələnd/ (SWIT-suh-lund).